Development Producer, Current Affairs TV

Job description

BBC Current Affairs Television is the home of award winning journalism, producing a wide range of content across several genres. It has a strong track record in delivering original journalism through powerful film-making. This includes; Investigative documentary, presenter led authored journalism, fast turnaround extended news stories, topical break-though programmes, observational documentary, constructed documentary, business and consumer based documentaries. The output is transmitted across all four main BBC television channels and online. The development team is central to the business of the department, originating ideas and stories, creating treatments and pitching to commissioners and controllers. Increasingly we are developing original content for the digital platforms of BBC News and BBC Three, as well as digital elements to widen the reach of our linear output on the terrestrial channels.

The role of Development Producer will be based in New Broadcasting House, London W1. You will be required to travel to locations as necessary. In general normal office hours will apply however, the nature of the role means that a flexible approach to working time will be necessary.

Role Responsibility

The Development Producer will work closely with the Creative Director TV Current Affairs and the Executive Producers to organise and drive the development team. This will involve managing a small development team, organising their work flows and prioritising their time. The Development Producer must possess authoritative knowledge of a broad range of current affairs and have a good and clear understanding of all editorial considerations and values relating to Current Affairs programming on prime time television. Successful candidates will initiate and develop both original ideas and topical issues, which demonstrate sound editorial judgement based on understanding of target audience, controller and commissioner needs and editorial guidelines. You will need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of digital content and social media. You will be tasked with developing engaging content that aspires to the highest standards. You will be an ideas person with a genuine ambition to find new and engaging ways to combine content with mainstream accessibility, diversity and entertainment values. The Development Producer will be expected to show a thorough understanding of the commissioning process along with the profiles of the different channels. You will be charged with producing treatments and taster tapes as well as demonstrating experience of casting contributors and developing and nurturing complex access. You will need to show an understanding of BBC Editorial policy.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have an excellent track record of developing innovative factual programming and winning commissions from a range of channels. You will also have a demonstrable competency in formatting shows that deliver serious content for a prime-time audience. You will have a thorough knowledge and appreciation of current trends in serious factual programming and an excellent track record of sound journalistic and editorial judgements with respect to subject matter, contributors, content, presentation, legal and editorial policy, coupled with appropriate referral to Executive Producers and Creative Director. You will be able to demonstrate excellent News and Current Affairs knowledge across a broad range of subject areas.  You will be able to demonstrate excellent journalistic and creative development skills across a broad range of output. You will have demonstrable experience of leading and managing large and small teams is essential as is developing junior staff. You will have a solid track record of initiating and developing creative treatments and delivering high quality. You must be able to work with contributors, presenters and correspondents to a high professional standard. You will have excellent written skills, including ambitious, accurate, entertaining treatment writing. The role will require working closely and communicating effectively at all times to the Creative Director, you must have strong editorial judgement in a fast moving environment. You will have the ability to demonstrate levels of flexibility with regards to developing a variety of different kinds of programmes and working with a diverse staff base.  You will have a track record of working with and developing on screen talent.  You will be required to proactively engage with digital formats and platforms, and develop ideas with a strong digital element.  You will also be required work effectively to ensure all content is thoroughly researched and meets the BBC’s editorial standards. You will have demonstrable experience of managing creativity, morale, financial efficiency and editorial standards for a team of programme makers.  You will have experience of leading and motivating Assistant Producers and Researchers, ensuring they have clear and realistic objectives, consistent with BBC Values. Give clear briefings, monitor performance, give constructive feedback, lead by example and treat team with consideration when under pressure. You will have a track record of negotiating access to institutions and organisations, working with Business Affairs, Editorial Policy and Legal Departments to produce access agreements in line with BBC Guidelines.  You will be able to demonstrate that you can react appropriately to channel strategy/direction and the changing requirements of commissioners & co-producers and also respond openly and flexibly to feedback and develops accordingly.  You will be required to carry out all duties in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.

Package Description

FTC/Attachment 6 months

This role is also available part-time.  Please include details of your availability in your application.

About the Company

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are very important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.